Lady Bulldogs blank Spring 4-0

Published 7:00 pm, Friday, May 14, 2004

Magnolia proved to be the lone 'Survivor' as they outplayed, outwitted, outscored and advanced over previously #1 ranked Spring, sending the Lady Lions back to the jungle.

The ballpark was packed beyond capacity, despite the last minute site change due to the weather. Lady Bulldog fans, as well as Magnolia head coach Renee Bialas, sweated it out in the first two innings, and Spring pitching sensation Megan Gibson struck out the first six Lady Bulldog batters.

Amanda Scarborough, who will be joining Gibson at Texas A&M University next fall, held her own, striking out four in the first two frames. But the Lady Lions fell prey to the Lady Bulldogs in the bottom of the third, as Magnolia exploded with five hits.

Destiny Mack led off with a perfect bunt single, outrunning the throw. Courtesy runner Anna Barren moved over to second when Megan Mikeska reached on an error. Jamie Williams then laid down a sacrifice bunt, as Barren was tagged out at third on a questionable call.

But Magnolia got its revenge on the next play as Kelly Canady hit a stand up double to the center wall, scoring Mikeska and Williams to make it 2-0. Scarborough, unfazed by her soon to be teammate, showed Gibson who was boss when she knocked one out of the park, easily clearing the 210 foot fence to up the Lady Bulldog lead to 4-0. The home run marks Scarborough's sixth of the year.

Ryan Kos and Jenise Langston each garnered a single, giving Gibson reason to worry. But the next Lady Bulldog struck out to end the thrilling third.

Gibson ends her illustrious high school career with a 24-4 record on the season as she struck out 10, walked one and gave up seven hits. Meanwhile, Scarborough improves to 26-5 as she struck out 12 batters, while giving up only one hit and walking three. Langston led the offensive surge for Magnolia, going two-for-three at the plate.

Magnolia improves to 30-5 on the season, and will advance to the Region II-5A semi-finals next week where they will meet Rockwall.